How to Keep Your T-Shirt Blanket in Good Condition

There is nothing better than cozying up with a soft, nostalgic t-shirt blanket on a chilly day or evening. As you will want to keep it fresh and retain its quality throughout the years, you must routinely clean and care for it to retain its appearance.

If you have never owned a t-shirt blanket before, you might be unsure how to wash, dry, and care for it throughout the years. You might think you can clean it the same way you would a pile of t-shirts, but it requires a more delicate touch to help it stand the test of time and countless washes. Find out how to keep your t-shirt blanket in good condition.

Soak Your T-Shirt Blanket in White Vinegar

If you are worried about one or more t-shirts bleeding color across the blanket or fading, consider soaking it in white vinegar for 24 hours first. It will stop colors from staining other fabrics on your t-shirt blanket while deodorizing odors and helping to banish stains. Alternatively, you could place a color-catcher sheet in during a wash cycle to prevent excess dye from spreading across the materials.

Hand Wash Your Quilt for the Best Results Hand washing is the best way to care for a t-shirt blanket to retain its quality, softness, and appearance. It might take more time and energy than placing it in a washing machine, but it will be worth it to prevent fading, shrinking, or fraying.

You can hand wash various sized quilts by placing them in a bathtub filled with warm water and a mild detergent (add plenty for softness and freshness). Take your time washing the blanket in the water and target dirty spots to ensure it looks, feels, and smells as good as new.

Use a Cold-Water Wash in a Washing Machine

As many t-shirts are used to create a throw, twin, or queen size blanket, it is wise to place it on a gentle, cold-water wash in a washing machine. Avoid exceeding 85 degrees to spruce up the blanket, as it is less likely to cause irreversible damage. For instance, a hot water wash may result in shrinking or design fading. If you are worried about the blanket developing an unpleasant scent on a cold-water wash, use a pleasant fabric softener to maintain its softness and aroma.

Carefully Dry Your T-Shirt Blanket

The drying process is just as important as the washing. If you plan to use a dryer, it is wise to avoid a high heat, as it may cause the t-shirt blanket or shirt quilt to shrink, which will be heartbreaking if it features t-shirts near and dear to your heart, such as your child’s clothing or nostalgic tees from your past. Always turn a dryer on the lowest heat setting to stop the worst from happening. It might take a little longer to dry, but it will prevent unnecessary damage.

Alternatively, you can hang the t-shirt blanket up to dry indoors or outdoors. It may take longer than using a dryer, but it is less likely to shrink when placed over an indoor airer or blowing in the wind outside.

Pay for a Professional Dry Cleaning Service

If you are concerned about a t-shirt design bleeding in the washing machine or fear shrinking, it is wise to take the blanket to a professional dry cleaner. As they can dry clean most fabrics gently and effectively, you will have peace of mind that your much-loved blanket is in safe hands wash after wash. It is a price worth paying for an item so dear to your heart.

Wrap It in a Pillow or Plastic Sheet Before Storage

It doesn’t matter if you use a t-shirt blanket for warmth on a chilly night or drape it over the foot of your bed; you would be wise to wrap it when it isn’t in use. Keep it fresh, clean, and protected from dust and spills by placing it inside a pillow or covering it with a plastic sheet. Wrapping your blanket before storage will ensure it appears like new when you next need it.

Care for Your T-Shirt Blanket Throughout the Years

Fraying can happen with any blanket, but you might worry more about it happening to your t-shirt design. After all, it might feature many sentimental tops you will want to cherish each passing year. Caring for your t-shirt blanket is likely a priority, which is why you should always have fabric glue on hand to prevent holes from appearing. Use it on a hole as soon as you notice the problem to prevent it from spreading and avoid long-term damage.

Spot Clean Stains with White Vinegar

Spills and stains may happen from time to time and can cause unwanted permanent marks without an effective stain removal treatment. When a stain strikes, add liquid detergent into a bowl of cold water before dipping in a clean toothbrush and targeting the area. After brushing at the stain, dip the toothbrush into some white vinegar. Repeat the above step one or more times until the stain disappears.

Use a Dryer to Plump It Up

Like with any fabric, you might feel a much-loved t-shirt blanket has lost a little life after many months or years of use. Rather than hiding it away in a cupboard, breathe new life into the material by placing it in a dryer to plump it up. Remember, avoid a high heat to avoid shrinking. It is a quick and easy way to increase its fluffiness, ensuring it continues to feel warm and cozy each time you pull it from a closet.

Conclusion

The above top tips can help your t-shirt blanket remain in tip-top condition throughout the years. Of course, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the highest quality t-shirt pillows, blankets, and curtains. With a little TLC over the years, you can keep the item you choose fresh, clean, and attractive, ensuring you love the design and its sentimental tees year after year.